Weeds can be a real pain, but the right perennials can keep them at bay while adding beauty to your garden. Over the years, I’ve found that these easy-to-grow plants are not only low-maintenance but also perfect for crowding out unwanted weeds.
Imagine a garden that practically takes care of itself, leaving you more time to enjoy the flowers. From vibrant blooms to lush greenery, these perennials will help you maintain a beautiful, weed-free space.
Ready to make your garden both gorgeous and weed-free? Let’s get planting!
1. Creeping Jenny
If you’re after a plant that’s both beautiful and efficient at keeping weeds at bay, Creeping Jenny is the perfect choice! This low-growing beauty spreads rapidly, covering the ground with its vibrant green leaves and suffocating weeds before they can get established.
It thrives in both sun and shade and prefers moist soil, though avoid overwatering to keep it happy. Once it spreads, it creates a natural mulch that prevents weeds from popping up.
2. Lamb’s Ear
Add some texture to your garden while naturally blocking out weeds with Lamb’s ear! Its silvery, fuzzy leaves form a dense mat that prevents unwanted plants from growing while also being soft to the touch.
This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and is ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Plant it in well-drained soil, and let it work its magic for you.
3. Daylilies
For a combination of beauty and practicality, daylilies are a must-have in your garden. Their lush foliage and vibrant blooms quickly crowd out weeds, creating a stunning, weed-free space.
These hardy perennials are easy to care for and will return year after year, making them a great addition to your garden with little effort on your part.
4. Hostas
Transform those shady spots into lush, weed-free havens with Hostas. Their thick, wide leaves grow quickly, forming a dense cover that prevents weeds from creeping in.
Perfect for low-light areas, these plants thrive with minimal care, only needing occasional watering to maintain their beauty.
5. Black-eyed Susan
Add a splash of color while keeping weeds under control with Black-eyed Susans. These vibrant flowers spread quickly and crowd out unwanted plants with their dense root system.
They thrive in full sun and can handle dry conditions, making them a low-maintenance beauty that fights weeds effortlessly.
6. Coneflower
Want a hardy plant that suppresses weeds while brightening up your garden? Coneflowers are the answer. Their deep roots and wide leaves form a thick barrier against weeds, and they love sunny spots.
Once planted, they require little care and will return each year, providing both beauty and functionality.
7. Bee Balm
If you’re after a multitasker, Bee Balm has it all! Not only does it attract pollinators, but its dense growth fills in garden spaces quickly, choking out weeds.
It thrives in sunny, moist areas, making it the perfect addition to your garden for minimal maintenance and maximum impact.
8. Sedum
Need a tough plant that also keeps weeds at bay? Sedum is the solution! Known for its ability to thrive in poor soil and dry conditions, Sedum spreads rapidly to form a dense mat that prevents weeds from taking root.
It’s a hardy, low-maintenance option for gardeners looking for easy solutions.
9. Thyme
Transform your garden with Thyme, a fragrant herb that’s also a natural weed-suppressant.
It grows densely to form a lush mat that keeps weeds from sprouting, and its aromatic scent adds an extra layer of appeal. Perfect for sunny spots with well-drained soil, it’s a versatile and practical addition to any garden.
10. Creeping Thyme
Imagine a garden path lined with lovely purple flowers and no weeds in sight. Creeping Thyme can make this dream a reality!
It spreads quickly and forms a dense carpet, blocking out weeds while adding a touch of color to your garden. It’s perfect for low-traffic areas and requires little maintenance once established.
11. Geranium
Add a pop of color while keeping weeds under control with Geraniums. Their fast-spreading roots cover the ground, preventing weeds from taking root.
Thriving in both sun and partial shade, they require minimal care and will continue to offer vibrant blooms season after season.
12. Lavender
Infuse your garden with beauty and natural weed control by planting Lavender. Its dense foliage fills in garden beds, blocking out weeds, while its delightful fragrance adds a calming touch to your outdoor space.
Once established, this low-maintenance plant requires little attention while keeping weeds at bay.
13. Yarrow
Looking for a tough plant that fights weeds and adds vibrant color to your garden?
Yarrow’s got you covered. It quickly fills in garden spaces with its dense, spreading roots, smothering weeds as it goes. Drought-tolerant and easy to maintain, it’s perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
14. Blanket Flower
Need a plant that adds color and stops weeds in their tracks? Blanket flowers are the answer!
Their quick-growing habit and dense foliage form a natural barrier, crowding out unwanted plants while brightening up your garden with vibrant blooms. They thrive in full sun and require minimal care.
15. Shasta Daisy
Want a plant that works hard to keep weeds at bay while adding a touch of beauty? Shasta Daisies are the perfect solution.
Their tall, sturdy stems and dense foliage create a natural shield against weeds, and their cheerful white blooms brighten up any garden. Once planted, they require little maintenance and return year after year.
16. Astilbe
If you’re looking to fill shady spots with beauty and weed control, Astilbe is a must. Its dense, feathery blooms and rich foliage quickly fill garden spaces, preventing weeds from taking root.
Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, it requires little care once established.
17. Catmint
Want a plant that’s both beautiful and practical? Catmint fits the bill. Its quick-growing, dense foliage creates a natural barrier against weeds while adding a lovely fragrance to your garden.
Once established, it requires minimal maintenance and will continue to keep weeds at bay year after year.
18. Japanese Blood Grass
Add a dramatic touch to your garden while keeping weeds under control with Japanese Blood Grass.
Its striking red foliage spreads densely, forming a natural weed barrier while creating a bold focal point in your landscape. Perfect for full sun, it requires little care once established.
19. Sweet Woodruff
If you’re looking for a fragrant, ground-covering plant that also suppresses weeds, Sweet Woodruff is a fantastic choice.
It spreads quickly, creating a dense carpet of greenery that fills in shady corners while keeping unwanted plants at bay. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and requires minimal care.
20. Chameleon Plant
For a vibrant, hardy ground cover that keeps weeds under control, the Chameleon Plant is ideal.
With its colorful leaves and rapid growth, it creates a dense mat that smothers weeds before they can take hold. It thrives in shady areas and is perfect for those low-maintenance garden spots.
21. Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’
If you’re after a larger, more dramatic plant to cover shady areas and suppress weeds, Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ is an excellent choice.
Its broad, thick leaves quickly form a dense mat, blocking out weeds and adding an elegant touch to your garden.
22. Spiderwort
Spiderwort is a colorful, fast-growing plant that also helps suppress weeds. Its vibrant flowers and dense foliage fill garden spaces, keeping weeds at bay.
This hardy plant thrives in sunny spots and requires minimal care once established, offering both beauty and weed protection.
23. Liriope
For a plant that thrives in both sun and shade while keeping weeds under control, Liriope is a top contender.
Also known as “Monkey Grass,” this hardy ground cover forms a dense mat that smothers weeds while adding a touch of green to your garden. It’s perfect for low-maintenance gardeners.
24. Golden Creeping Jenny
If you’re looking for a fast-growing, colorful plant that suppresses weeds, Golden Creeping Jenny is a great option.
Its golden-green leaves spread quickly, creating a thick carpet that prevents weeds from taking root. It thrives in both sun and partial shade and requires little maintenance.
25. Japanese Spurge
Japanese Spurge is an excellent evergreen ground cover that smothers weeds with its glossy green leaves. It grows rapidly, creating a thick, dense carpet that chokes out weeds and thrives in shady spots.
Perfect for those tricky areas that don’t get much sunlight, it requires minimal care once established.
26. Virginia Bluebells
Add a burst of color and keep weeds at bay with Virginia Bluebells. These spring-blooming beauties spread quickly, filling in gaps with their heart-shaped leaves and preventing weeds from gaining a foothold.
They thrive in shady, moist soil and add a lovely pop of color to your garden.
27. Sweet Violet
Sweet Violets are not only charming but also a natural weed-fighter. Their dense foliage creates a mat that smothers weeds while offering a touch of purple to your garden.
They grow well in both sunny and partially shaded areas, and require minimal care once established.
28. Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Ajuga is an excellent choice for a quick-spreading ground cover that doubles as a weed-blocker.
Its attractive foliage and vibrant flower spikes fill garden gaps quickly, preventing weeds from taking hold. It thrives in both sun and shade, requiring minimal care once established.
29. Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)
Periwinkle, or Vinca Minor, is a fast-growing, evergreen ground cover that helps suppress weeds naturally. It forms a dense carpet, quickly spreading to prevent weeds from taking root.
Thriving in both sun and shade, it’s virtually maintenance-free once established.
30. Creeping Jenny (Variegated)
If you’re looking for a more striking version of Creeping Jenny, try the variegated variety. With its mix of yellow and green leaves, it spreads quickly, forming a thick mat that keeps weeds under control.
Perfect for sun or shade, it adds a splash of color while suppressing unwanted growth.